The insulting riches of Bangkok’s party scene exist thanks in no small part to the army of DJs who organize, promote and rock the living hell out of the city’s nightlife. In “Hang the DJ,” Coconuts gives you a chance to get acquainted with some of the capital’s better beatsmiths.
How did you get into DJ-ing?
My dad is a jazz musician with a decent record collection, but he isn’t particularly good at looking after his vinyl. My theory is this old Charlie Parker record had a big scratch on it and was looping quite interestingly while I was being conceived and the idea of repetitive music and sweaty bodies was firmly woven into my DNA.
What else? It wasn’t long after I was born that my parents gave me my first bedroom, an essential tool if you have DJ ambitions. I also had my first tinnitus at seven, was dissing David Guetta in fourth grade, and the rest is history.
Describe the music you play in five words.
Come listen to me spin
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
I spent a couple of years in London and some friends were living in a friendly collective of apartments up in Dalston, with hardly any neighbors to piss off, and the Kingsland train station tracks on the other side of their courtyard wall. We used to run monthly house parties with a rented sound system, a hot water paddle pool and other such accessories. And the parties got bigger and bigger … one time I was deep in a mix, trying out some classic disco tracks, and I look up and the house is completely filled wall-to-wall with 70 or so gay Italians, many with their shirts off, going absolutely mental. No idea who they were and where they came from, but it definitely changed my perception on the possibilities of real disco. And be assured, no one was hurt that night.
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
Glow for the most dedicated stomping crowds, and the Black Pagoda bridge for its red curtain disco ball sleaze vibe.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
Derrick Carter’s Classic Music Company just re-released an old favorite of mine: “Groovestyle” by Freedom Train. Hypnotic bass line and train sounds, lovely claps and its weighty use of a Martin Luther King sample really do it for me. For the updated “No Ears Mix” Rob Mello adds his signature kookiness without changing the original too much. Try this at home or in the club.
Dubstep: yea or nay?
As long as it’s Jaydubbstep I can’t fault it. Prefer stomping to stepping though.
“ ______ always packs the dance floor.”
This house update of Leroy Burgess’ “Barely Breaking Even” seems to do the trick every time. No surprises, there aren’t many things between heaven and earth as infectious as Burgess’ vocal harmonies and song arrangements.
What’s one song you will never, ever play?
While I’m no fundamentalist in any way, shape or form, I’m not particularly fond of anything by DJ Bobo.
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
Two parts exceptional taste, one part good manners, one part shout-the-DJ-a-drink. Ah, and it helps If I carry the requested piece of music. That’s five parts rarely found in my experience.
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
We are super excited to be bringing Manchester-based producer, DJ and label boss Trus’me to Bangkok’s newest club venue Grease on March 16th. This will pretty much be our big international DJ debut, with an amazing act who has just released his third album.
With Berlin Beats having been retired, my musical compadré Felix Moreno and I have two jams lined up for Glow on March 22 and 30, both slightly different concepts, billed as usual around quality house and techno and packed dance floors. And I’m working on a follow-up to my long-running Disco Robot party series, so watch this space.
Want more “Hang the DJ”? Why, funny you should ask…
Hang the DJ – Episode 6: DJ Ono
Hang the DJ – Episode 5: Scott Hess
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